The Bible teaches us to always be ready to give an explanation for our faith.
Be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. – 1 Peter 3:15
Peter’s assumption seemed to be that our faith will be so evident that people will ask questions. But is it?
“When was the last time someone stopped you to inquire about the reason for the hope that lies within you? You’re at the market, say, in the frozen food section. A friend you haven’t seen for some time comes up to you, grasps you by both shoulders, and pleads, ‘Please, you’ve got to tell me. Be honest now. How can you live with such hope? Where does it come from? I must know the reason.’” – John Eldredge, The Journey of Desire
I laughed when I first read that. And then I cringed. How often has my faith been so clear – so appealing – that a non–believer sought me out to ask about the reason for my hope? I’ve shared my faith with non–believers many times, but I can’t recall a time when such a conversation was started by the other person.